An ‘Edinburgh-style’ arts festival comes to Oldham this month

An Oldham-based theatre company launches what it calls an ‘Edinburgh-style festival’ later this month.

Dare to Know Theatre has built a programme of 20 original performances, including 12 world premieres, and a lineup that features 95% local talent for its Oldham Arts Festival.

The bill boasts a strong and eclectic lineup of theatre, dance, poetry and comedy, with organisers proudly stating that nearly all artists involved are from or based in Oldham.

Oldham’s TV comedian Josh Jones headlines, returning to perform in his home time since his meteoric rise to fame.

Despite the project being rejected for funding twice in the lead up to the event, the team hasn’t deterred in delivering what it says is a vital event for the area.

Jake Talbot, one of the co-founders of Dare to Know Theatre, said: “We haven’t received any external funding for the theatre company since 2019, and unfortunately, financial opportunities are at an all time low. If we let that stop us, then we would never make a piece of theatre again and we can’t do that to Oldham, a place which was once a national hub for performing arts, it’s even listed on Oldham’s Wikipedia. Oldham deserves art, even though everything is determined to not let that happen, the spirit of Oldham’s creativity, passion and fight continues.”

In August 2024, Dare to Know Theatre hosted one of Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Culture & Chips events, inviting residents to share their thoughts on arts and culture in the town. When asked what was missing, over 75% said they wanted an Oldham-based arts festival. Dare to Create: Oldham Arts Festival is the company’s direct response.

Miranda Parker, the second co-founder of Dare to Know Theatre, added: “Dare to Create: Oldham Arts Festival is the next step in putting Oldham’s homegrown talent centre stage in the town. We have immense talent right on our doorstep, and we need to be showcasing that talent, supporting that talent. The festival is about reclaiming creative space. Oldham’s stages and theatres may have gone dark, but the people are still here, the talent is still here. We’re just lighting it up again.

Oldham Arts Festival runs from Sat 23 Aug – Sun 31 Aug and will take place across Mill One & Mill Two at 1853 Studios and Oldham Lyceum Theatre. For more information, or to book tickets, click the button below.